CCVO Responds to CRA’s Proposed Guidance Documents on Charities and Public Policy Advocacy
The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has shared proposed guidance documents that will help charities interpret the legislation related to public policy advocacy. This follows the recent proposed Income Tax Act (ITA) amendments by the Department of Finance. CCVO sees the proposed ITA amendments and accompanying guidance documents as good overall progress towards better supporting charities.
Navigating the Alberta Government
Not sure which government level does what? With the spring 2019 Provincial Election approaching, we’d like to share a refresher on the different levels of government, how the Alberta Government works, and how your nonprofit can effectively engage.
Policy to the Point: The Alberta Government
Nonprofits are intrinsically linked to the Alberta Government. Due to the pertinent role the government serves, CCVO has provided a refresher on how the Alberta Government works with the aim to elevate your understanding and assist in your engagement with the provincial government.
CCVO Responds to Department of Finance’s Income Tax Act Amendments
In a joint letter with Imagine Canada, CCVO responded to the proposed Income Tax Act amendments from the Department of Finance. While we recognize the significant steps taken to modernize the regulatory regime for registered charities, we note that the changes are only an initial step toward a broader review.
Why Advocacy Matters: The Crucial Role that Nonprofits Play
The nonprofit sector contributes significantly to society, the economy, and democratic participation – as such, the potential political influence of the sector should not be underestimated. Engaging in advocacy is an opportunity for nonprofits to share their priorities with the public, represent communities, advance policies, and promote funding of meaningful objectives.
Policy to the Point: Preparing for Cannabis Legalization
The legalization of cannabis this October will impact nonprofit workplaces and regulations, but also result in a new wave of related services, programs and nonprofit organizations. As Canada becomes among the first international jurisdictions to legalize cannabis, the beginning stages will require all members of the community to learn, adapt and be flexible.
Why Nonprofits Matter: 3 Major Contributions of the Nonprofit Sector
In advance of the upcoming provincial election, it’s important for nonprofits to recognize the potential influence they have, and meaningfully engage in public policy dialogue to capture the attention of political parties and candidates.
Policy to the Point: Influencing Public Policy
Charities are a source of insight and expertise about the communities and the people they serve and sharing this knowledge with all levels of government can lead to more effective public policy.
Alberta Minimum Wage Increase Coming October 1
Alberta's minimum wage will increase to $15.00 an hour, up from $13.60 an hour. This increase will mark the final stage in a series of minimum wage increases enacted by the Alberta Government. In 2015, Alberta was the first province to commit to a $15.00 minimum wage phase-in, and as of October 1st, will be the first province or state in North America to accomplish it.
Building an Alberta Nonprofit Election Toolkit
As a result of focus group discussions from around the province, CCVO is creating a resource to help nonprofit organizations prepare for the upcoming provincial election in Spring 2019. The Alberta Nonprofit Election Toolkit is intended to arm Alberta’s nonprofits with flexible tools to help ensure the candidates and parties address issues of importance to our sector.
Freedom of Expression Rules the Day for Canadian Charities
There was some big news for charities across Canada this week. An Ontario judge ruled that the section of the federal Income Tax Act limiting the political activity of charities has “no force or effect” as of Monday, July 16. The judge ruled that this section of the Income Tax Act is an infringement on freedom of expression for charities. Partisan activities are still prohibited – a restriction that CCVO fully supports.
What does the Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) Legislation mean for Alberta Nonprofits?
The Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) legislation was passed by the provincial government in June 2018 to enable municipalities to establish a program that assists property owners to make energy efficiency upgrades. It is a voluntary program that provides financing, which is repaid through property taxes. Municipalities must pass a PACE bylaw in order for residents to participate.
A Whole New World: 4 Things to Watch for and Consider in the New OH&S Act
It’s now been just over a month since Alberta’s new Occupational Health and Safety Act took effect. To put it mildly, the changes are aplenty, and are taking workplace health and safety in Alberta to a place it’s never been.
CCVO’s Top Ten Policy Files for the Nonprofit Sector in 2017
During the year, there were a number of important decisions, initiatives, and events, including some potential “game changers” for nonprofits in Calgary and throughout Alberta. Check out CCVO’s Top 10 List of policy files of the year that impacted the nonprofit sector.
Know the Code: Changes to Alberta's Employment Standards Coming January 1
The updated Employment Standards Code comes into effect on January 1, 2018. As these changes are the first overhaul of the Code since 1988, updating organizational policies and practices have become an area of deliberate attention for nonprofit organizations that employ staff.